What does potable water mean?

• A. It is safe to bathe in
• B. It is safe to drink, but not to cook
• C. It is safe to bathe in, it is safe to drink, it is safe to cook with
• D. It is not safe to drink

Answer: (C)

Potable water refers to water that is safe for human consumption. It is treated to meet drinking-water quality standards, meaning it is free from harmful microorganisms and regulated chemicals at safe levels. Because it is safe to drink, it is also appropriate for cooking, and it is safe for general hygiene, including bathing. So potable water is suitable for drinking, cooking with, and bathing with. The other ideas that restrict it to only one use or say it isn’t safe to drink don’t capture the full scope of what potable water must be able to do.